SIUC’s new Student Center director will bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the University, SIUC officials say. The new director says he feels the position is challenging, but is one he is looking forward to.

Gregory Tatham, currently the director of the Wyoming Union at the University of Wyoming, was chosen as the new Student Center director Tuesday. Tatham’s appointment as director begins Dec. 1.

Harvey Welch Jr., vice president for student affairs, said in a press release that he believes Tatham’s background at Wyoming will help the SIUC Student Center serve students better.

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I feel that Greg will bring the leadership, experience and positive attitude that will enable the SIUC Student Center to continue to serve our students in an exceptional manner and retain our leadership position in the country, Welch said.

Tatham will take over the position from T.J. Rutherford, the Student Center’s acting director. Rutherford became the acting director after the previous Student Center director of 19 years, John Corker, accepted a position in July in the Department of Animal Sciences, in Food and Nutrition.

Rutherford said Tatham has excellent credentials and will be an asset to SIUC.

Any changes he makes to the Student Center will be based on discussions between him, the staff and the students, Tatham said. He said he will also depend on their support for any changes.

The Center has a strong, dedicated staff, he said. We want to make changes the students will enjoy.

Tatham was picked from a list of five candidates from Universities across the country. The five candidates were interviewed in September, but Tatham said he felt confident even though he was up against some good candidates.

He said he received a call last week and was told the selection was in its final approvals. He said the decision was a surprise in some respects, but it was a good feeling. Tatham said the decision made him feel as if he had paid his dues and done a good job.

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Tatham grew up in Macomb and said he is looking forward to coming to SIUC because he will be close to his family. He said he also wanted to come to SIUC because he likes the area.

Tatham received his master’s degree in physical education from Montana State University and his bachelor’s degree in recreation and park administration from Western Illinois University.

He said he spent a summer working in the Shawnee National Forest while attending Western, and he is excited to be moving down here.

Tatham said Carbondale is a town and community that a person could plan on living in for a while.

It’s a great opportunity professionally for me, Tatham said. I’m looking forward to the challenge.